UT: ‘Rougher ride’ expected for 4.8 beer bill in Utah House; committee to decide Wednesday
By Michael Locklear
March 6, 2019
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A Utah House committee will decide Wednesday morning whether to advance or block the plan to sell stronger, 4.8 beer in grocery and convenience stores.
2News asked the House Health and Human Services Committee chairman, Orem Republican Rep. Brad Daw, if the bill could be killed.
“Who knows? It’s a possibility,” Daw responded. “The thing is, you have a committee whose first and foremost job is to look after the health and human services of the state. Of course, nobody really thinks alcohol is a healthy option.”
Rep. Jen Dailey-Provost, who represents Salt Lake City and is one of only two Democrats on the committee, said Tuesday night that she’s still undecided. She said she understands that people want more options, even though she’d still buy her beer at the state-run wine store.
The supporters of Senate Bill 132 say beer options for Utahns are disappearing in grocery stores, with manufacturers discontinuing or slowing production of 3.2 beer. The problem, they say, is lower demand as other states have recently loosened their restrictions.
“I’m not absolutely certain that those worries are founded,” Dailey-Provost said, “and we’ve still got to get some answers.”
Senators passed the bill 27-2. Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Davis County, sees it as a business measure, with an eye on ensuring small stores keep their inventory and traffic
Rep. Daw expects a “rougher ride” in the House, with several representatives being vocal about their opposition. He has questions about the broader impact of easier access to stronger beer.
“Does that increase the likelihood of deaths on our highways?” Daw said. “Does that increase the likelihood of violence and other kinds of issues that alcohol tends to bring? I need those questions answered before I feel comfortable with this.”
A lobbyist who supports the bill called the group voting on it a “kill committee.”
Rep. Norm Thurston, R-Provo, opposes the bill but said it would get a fair hearing.
“It’s the right committee, whether it’s tough, whether it’s not tough, whether they’ve got the votes or they don’t have the votes, Health and Human Services is the right committee,” Thurston said. “It’s a public health issue.”
The meeting is scheduled for room 210 of the Senate building at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday.
The 12-member committee would decide whether it’s considered in the full House.
“To my understanding, if it passes out of committee tomorrow, it will pass the House and the bill will pass and become law,” Dailey-Provost said.